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Solar Hot Water Heater Repairs & Installations in Bucks County, Pa.
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One of the most costly appliances in our homes is the electric hot water heater. We don't think about this appliance or the cost of heating water, as long as we have hot water when we need it. Solar water heating systems can save between 15% and 30% of our utility bill. For a family of four the savings is 20% of the utility bill.
Take advantage of federal and state tax credits for an investment that:
Solar hot water, also called solar thermal or Solar DHW (domestic hot water ) is the process where the sun heats liquid in a solar collector outside, the heat is transfered to water, and you store the hot water in an insulated storage tank until you need it. Almost everyone has tried to take a drink from a hose in the yard in the summertime and gotten very hot water coming out of the hose at first. Solar thermal works in much the same way, with little more attention on collecting that heat. It is a simple and economical way to provide most of your family's hot water needs and does not rely on costly, nonrenewable energy sources.
Yes. The sun emits energy even on a cloudy winter day in the coldest regions. While the percentage of available energy depends on your latitude, solar water heating systems work effectively throughout North America. Your system will be combined with a conventional water heater as a backup source in order to provide for all of your hot water needs. The solar system will preheat the water in your standard water heater in order to prolong its life by reducing the energy it uses.
Total cost depends on the type of the system, your installation size, and the amount of water you use. There is not a renewable technology available today that provides a better combination of environmental and financial benefits than inserting in a solar hot water system.
The U.S. Department of Energy reports that a solar hot water heater should decrease your hot water heating by 50 to 80% annually. You're also protected from energy price hikes because the sun is not tied to a utility grid. Since a typical family uses from 15-20 gallons per person in a day, these savings add up quickly! A standard system will pay for itself in 5 to 7 years, depending on usage.
Instantaneous water heaters only replace about 15-20% of the energy used by a conventional water heater, while solar hot water systems replace 70-90%. An article by Consumer Reports states that tankless heater savings "can add up to some $50 per year compared with conventional heaters. But even at that rate, it will take more than 25 years for an average household to recoup the extra $1,300 or so those units cost to buy, install and maintain." An average family can expect $300-$500 savings each year with a solar hot water system.
Currently, there is tremendous interest in the United States with apparently a lot of interest in solar electricity. How do the two technologies compare? The efficiency (the amount of energy striking the surface that turns into usable energy) of solar electric panels is generally around 17% efficient. However, a solar thermal panel can be as high as 80% efficient at transmitting direct sunlight into usable energy.
After analyzing data from various sources for flatplate and evacuated tube collectors, we have found that flatplate collectors perform better in the majority of situations. They are also considerably more cost effective. On a roof, the flatplate collectors look similar to a modern skylight, without being obtrusive.
On most days, the solar storage tank holds much hotter water than you use in your home. Mixing valves regulate the amount of hot water added to incoming water unit it reaches the desired temperature. The conventional water heater serves as a back-up to keep hot water in steady supply for days when you need the shower, laundry, hot tub, and dishwasher all at the same time.
Certainly! The energy savings make both options feasible, and even increase the resale value of your home.
Correctly installed and maintained, the system should provide you with many years of uninterrupted solar hot water. The solar collectors are designed to last 25-53 years and the pumps, controls, and valves 5-10 years. Local water quality and usage will greatly affect life expectancies.
Attention PA residents: State financial incentives are here! For solar hot water there is a federal tax credit of 30% of the cost.
JC Heating is a Full Service Heating & Air Containing Contractor with over 48 years experience in designing and installing solar energy system.
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